TLDR
- Alex Pereira will face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 in December at heavyweight
- Alexander Volkov predicts Pereira will lose and says it’s a bad matchup for the Brazilian
- Volkov defeated Pavlovich by decision at UFC Saudi Arabia in June 2024
- Betting odds favor Pavlovich over Pereira for the upcoming fight
- Pavlovich’s size and knockout power are seen as major advantages over Pereira
Sources: mmamania.com | sherdog.com | givemesport.com
Alex Pereira will face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 in December, but one heavyweight contender believes the Brazilian star is heading for a loss.
Alexander Volkov, who defeated Pavlovich by unanimous decision at UFC Saudi Arabia in June 2024, shared his prediction for the upcoming matchup. He told sports reporter Helen Yee that Pereira faces serious challenges against the Russian knockout artist.
“I see Alex Pereira going on a losing streak because it’s a very hard matchup for him,” Volkov said. “Especially because Pavlovich punches very hard, his style isn’t a good matchup for him.”
"One of his best performance ever"
Alex Pereira was literally getting DOGWALKED by an #8 ranked Rountree for 3 rounds straight while he was actively ducking Ankalaev buddy https://t.co/Y1jqp3Bqyi pic.twitter.com/CMj5l5Bww9
— Mohi (@mohithegoat) October 7, 2026
Volkov has direct experience fighting Pavlovich and understands what makes the Russian dangerous. His comments carry extra weight given that firsthand knowledge.
Pereira’s Heavyweight Challenge
Pereira is attempting to win his third UFC championship in a third different weight class. The former middleweight and light heavyweight champion made his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane, which ended in the second round.
The fight with Pavlovich represents another test for Pereira at the heavier weight. Josh Hokit received a title shot at UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden against current champion Ciryl Gane, which opened the door for this matchup.
Betting markets have shown skepticism about Pereira’s chances. Opening odds installed Pavlovich as a slight favorite after the fight was announced during the UFC 332 broadcast. The Russian’s odds have improved further as more bettors back him.
Joe Rogan highlighted Pavlovich’s advantages when discussing the fight. “Pavlovich is a huge, huge heavyweight with gigantic power and fantastic boxing,” Rogan said on his broadcast.
Rogan also noted Pereira’s determination. “‘Poatan’ again at heavyweight; he’s determined to try to win a title at heavyweight, and the man won’t go back to light heavyweight,” he said.
Size and Power Concerns
The size difference between the fighters has become a major talking point. Pavlovich fights as a natural heavyweight with proven one-punch finishing ability.
Pereira built his reputation on elite striking skills at middleweight and light heavyweight. Questions remain about how those skills translate against naturally larger opponents with similar power.
Volkov joked about the pre-fight press conference, referencing both fighters’ quiet personalities. “It will be a very awesome press conference for both of them. One of them will say, ‘We’ll see,’ and the other one will say, ‘Chama,'” he said.
Meanwhile, Pereira’s coach Plinio Cruz will compete in his own bout before UFC 335. Cruz faces Gary Olive at Misfits Boxing on October 10 at Copper Box Arena in London.
The matchup changed after Cruz’s original opponent Chase DeMoor withdrew due to an eye injury. Olive, who coaches DeMoor, agreed to replace his fighter in what Misfits Boxing calls a “battle of the coaches.”
“When an opportunity comes knocking, I’ll answer that door,” Olive wrote on Instagram. The boxing event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. local time and will be headlined by Joey Essex versus Daniel O’Reilly.
UFC 335 takes place in December with Pereira versus Pavlovich as one of the featured bouts. The fight was announced during UFC 332 and has generated attention as Pereira continues his heavyweight campaign.
